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MEMORIAL 



OF THE 



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5v 

OHIO ANTI SLAVERY SOCIETY. 



TO THE 



OF THE 



STATE OF OHIO. 



CINCINNATI 

PUGH & DODD-PRINTERS-FIFTH & MAIN". 

1838. 












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MEMORIAL. 



The undersigned, citizens of Ohio, being appointed a Com- 
mittee by the Executive Committee of the " Ohio Anti Slavery 
Society," to prepare a memorial in behalf of our colored popula- 
tion, and to present the same to the Legislature of this State ; 
do, in accordance with the above instructions, bring in remem- 
brance before . your honorable body, the unprotected condi- 
tion of our colored inhabitants ; and on their behalf^ we respect- 
fully pray ^ that all those statutes which discriminate between 
men^ on account of color, be immediately repealed. 

The first reason which we would assign for this request is, 
that color is no crime. We should not make that criminal, 
which of itself has no character, or if it has, is perfectly inno- 
cent. 

2d. These people are men. — The same general principles ob- 
tain in reference to them as to other men. 

3d. Laws, bearing oppressively upon any class of men, are 
both unjust and impolitic : — unjust, because they afford not that 
protection of rights which every man is entitled to : impolitic, 
because they habituate the privileged class to acts of oppression, 
and thus destroy that keen sense of justice which is the only 
safe-guard of Liberty, and render the degraded class unpatriotic 
by lessening their interest in the welfare of society, deprave 
their morals, and tend to make them jealous and A^indictive. 

4th. Laws, that single out and bear oppressively upon any 
part of the inhabitants of a country, degrade that part — 
Therefore : 

5th. It is the highest political wisdom to grant equal protec- 
tion to all ; for just in proportion as all are protected in their per- 
sons, industry and liberty, does a nation become elevated and 
prosperous. Witness for example the abolition of the feudal 



system in England and France, and the consequent advance- 
ment of literature and science, wealth and civilization. 

6th. They are hostile to liberty — anti-republican, making ar- 
tificial distinctions in society, thus cultivating in the minds of the 
people monarchical and feudal notions, which, if persisted in, 
will ultimately revolutionize our government. 

We have heard but two arguments set up in defence of these 
laws. The first is, that the blacks are an idle, thievish, worth- 
less class of people. 

The second is, that if we should equalize our laws, it would 
encourage them to settle in our state in greater numbers. 

In our memorial we shall answer these two objections at 
length. 

With regard to the first, we are prepared to prove, that it 
does not set forth the true character of the colored people as a 
body, or of a majority of them. Our position is sustained by 
the following facts and testimony which we have collected 
from the various settlements of colored people scattered over 
the state. 

Columbus. 
In Columbus there are 23 colored persons who own real es- 
tate, assessed at $14,000. They are industrious, orderly and 
useful, — 16 of them being mechanics, viz. 1 stone mason, 5 shoe- 
makers, 3 black-smith shops carried on by them, 2 painters, 1 
house joiner. They have also two churches, one Methodist of 
100 members, and one Baptist; also two schools of 70 schol- 
ars, supported entirely by themselves. 

Last winter a ladies' benevolent society collected food, fuel, 
and clothing, to distribute among the destitute poor of the city. 
Committees were appointed in different parts, to search out 
the needy and bestow their charities. Two were appointed to 
visit the colored people. After carefully performing their duty 
and visiting from house to house among them, they could not 
find a solitary family which stood in need of aid — not one but 
what was abundantly supplied with food, fuel and clothing. 
The society disposed of all their charities amongst poor white 
people. 

COLUMBIANA COUNTY. 
In Smith township, Columbiana county, there is a settlement 



of colored people, extending into Stark county. They number 
264 individuals, owning 1860 acres of land, valued at |29,200 ; 
70 horses, valued at $2,800 ; 213 head of cattle, valued at 
|2,556 ; 328 sheep, valued at $656 ; farming utensils and other 
articles, valued at $4,235 ; whole amount $39,445. They have 
two school houses, with a school in each ; a church of 100 
members ; a Sunday school, with a library of 120 volumes ; 
4 preachers ; and a large temperance society. No quarrel- 
ling or fighting at all, nor one case of theft has ever been known 
in the settlement, since it was first commenced, 1 8 years ago. 

For further particulars your memorialists would refer to Job 
Johnson, Esq. merchant of Mount Union, Stark county, who 
resides near the settlement. 

There is another settlement in this county, near Salem, con- 
taining 28 families, owning 935 acres of land, with horses, cat- 
tle, sheep, &c. the total valuation of which amounts to 
$7,751. 

Extract of a letter recently received from J. D. C. of Salem. 

" The general character of the colored people in this vicinity 
is good. Some of them are remarkable for honesty and up- 
rightness of character ; and upon the whole they are quite e- 
qual to the corresponding class among the whites. There is 
not one among them to my knowledge, (and I am acquainted 
with nearly all) addicted to the vice of intemperance. Many 
of them are members of religious societies, and most of them 
members of a temperance society of their own formation. 
Their children are being educated, and many of them can read 
and write very well. A majority of the families are emanci- 
pated slaves, who immigrated to this state in 1823 — '6 & '7." 

'We the undersigned, citizens of the town of Salem, believe, 
and hereby testify, that the chai'acter and condition of the col- 
ored people of this vicinity, as above represented, is substan- 
tially correct. JACOB HEATEN, 

BENJ. B. STANTON, 
ZADOK STREET, 
SAMUEL C. PRESCOTT.' 

The persons, whose names are here subscribed, are with one 
exception, merchants, who are in the habit of dealing with the 
colored people. The other. (Dr. Stanton) is one of our oldest 
physicians. 



Joseph Brooks, Esq. a lawyer oiSalem, has i'urnished us the 
following additional testimony. 

Says he, "cases have occurred here in which colored men 
have lost property by our oppressive laws : one of labor, 
where the employer refused to pay : another, where a colored 
man's horse was shot, and colored people saw the act, but no 
redress could be had. 

"Only one colored man has been found guilty of petit lar- 
ceny in the last five years. 

"I would as soon take their oath under the same circumstan- 
ces as that of the whites. In cases that have occurred in law 
I have noticed, that the statement first made by the colored 
man is almost uniformly established by testimony, and that 
there is less prevarication on their part than on the part of the 
whites. This I have often remarked to those who stood by. 

"There is no necessity for laws distinguishing between 
blacks and whites." 

LOGAN COUNTY. 

There is a large settlement in Zanesfield, Logan county. 
Many of them own land. One has the name of being one of the 
best farmers in the countv. He settled here when the coun- 
try was new, on new land, 1 7 years ago. Besides owning here 
one of the best fai'ms, and bringing up a family of 12 children, 
he has during the last year, purchased and paid for one thou- 
sand acres of government land. In general they have the name 
amongst their neighbors, of being honest, industrious, and mo- 
ral ; of being equal in all these respects to many settlements of 
white people. Several have purchased government land during 
the past year. They have a Methodist church and a school. 

GUERNSEY COUNTY. 

There are many colored people settled in Guernsey county. 
They have a character for honesty, industry and good morals, 
equal to any class of citizens. They are mechanics, and far- 
mers, and laborers, of a respectable reputation. 

Two of their number went to tJie West, this fall, to pur- 
chase new land for eleven. They were prepared to pay for 
320 acres (half a section) for each. 



JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

There are three settlements in Jefferson county. A large 
and respectable part of the white citizens are anxious that their 
disabilities should be removed, and testify, without reserve, to 
their industry and good moral character. As a specimen, we 
give the following from Mr. Robinson, of Mount Pleasant. — 
Mr. Robinson, in answer to questions proposed, made the fol- 
lowing statement: — 

1st. "I think that the colored people of Mt. Pleasant are of 
a character equal to that of the whites. 

2d. "I hire as much as any man about here, and many of 
my laborers are colored men. I find them a peaceable, trust- 
worthy and industrious class of laborers. 

3d. "I would believe their word as soon as that of other 
men. 

4th. "I do not know any reason why they should not be 
allowed their oath in a court of justice, which does not exist 
equally against the whites. 

5th. "I have known white people in this neighborhood, 
molest their neighbors' property, but I never knew the colored 
people to do the like." 

David Updegraff of Mt. Pleasant, makes the following state- 
ment: — "I employ many colored men, more colored than white, 
and I have never had but one dishonest colored man, though I 
have had several whites that I suspected. Besides, I have no 
recollection of a colored man being called up here for theft. — 
They support themselves comfortably. I do not know that 
they get anything but what they earn, and there is not a 
colored pauper in the place. Two have tended mill for my 
brother several years, and were counted very industrious and 
honest men. Several have rented farms and worked on 
shares, as other men do; though I do not think they are the 
best of farmers. One is a good waggon maker. Their general 
character is such, that it would not be injurious to the country 
to allow them their testimony in a court of justice. I think 
they would be quite as likely to tell the truth as the common 
run of men." 

There is a colored school and church in this place. 



There is a small settlement in Smithiield, Jefferson County. 

In answer to questions proposed, Benjamin Ladd gives the 
following testimony : 

1st. "I suppose their testimony in a court of justice is 
entitled to the same credit as the testimony of white people. 

2d. "Such as I employ, are as valuable laborers as any in 
the community. One has lived with me 12 or 15 years. Such 
is my confidence in his honesty and ability, that I trust hhn 
with my farm, consisting of 220 acres of land, and stock, 
which he works upon shares, giving me one half. I trust the 
measuring of the grain and every thing else with him, and I 
believe he never wrongs me. During the time he has been with 
me, he has purchased a farm of 100 acres, and now has money 

on hand. 

3d. "The blacks here are not any more thievish than the 

whites. 

4th. "It is equally impolitic and unjust to have laws that 
apply unequally to our citizens. 

6th. "Eight or ten families own land in this neighborhood. 

6th. "There is not one pauper amongst them. 

7th. "They are more patient of injuries than the whites. 

From Steubenville, toe have received the following : — 

1st. "The colored people here, as a class, are industrious, 
and honest, and peaceable. 

2d. "There is no necessity for laws distinguishing black 
citizens from white. 

3d. "They do not steal, or drink, or quarrel more than white 

people. 

4th. "There are no paupers amongst them. 

5th. "But one case of stealing has occurred amongst them 
within our knowledge. 

6th. "They are useful as laborers, and are worthy citizens; 
several of them being draymen, and carpenters, and one a 
cabinet maker. One has been free 35 years — has lived in 
Steubenville during the whole of this time — has learned the 
carpenter's trade— often employs 4 or 6 journeymen— is 
crowded with work constantly — lives in a good brick house of 



his own building, worth f 2,500, and owns two city lots besides. 
"The colored population of this county is about 300. 

DAVID POWELL, 
T. A. PLANTS, 
WM. ROBERTSON." 

CLARK COUNTY. 

In Springfield and its neighborhood, there are 30 families' 
containing 200 individuals. Of these, 14 are farmers, 4 are 
waggoners, who drive their own teams, 4 own real estate, 
and 4 have bought themselves, and paid ^1,000 for their free- 
dom. One who has been free four years, has in that time 
worked a farm on shares and paid the purchase money for his 
own body, ($300) and this fall was prepared to buy half a sec- 
tion (320 acres) of government land. One, who has been a 
slave 40 years, built a school house on his own lot, at his own 
expense, in which there is a school of 30 scholars. One is a 
good blacksmith, who owns a shop, &c. &c. 

They have a Methodist chui'ch of 18 members. 

Three of the two hundred are drunkards. 

HIGHLAND COUNTY. 
There are several families of colored people residing in 
Highland county. Some of them own land, and others lease. 
Seven of the number have been to the West, and purchased 
new land during the past year. From a letter just received 
from Col. Wm. Keys, of Hillsboro', we make the following 
extract: — 

"The habits of the colored people of this county, so far as 
I know, (and I have considerable knowledge of them) are good. 
They are industrious, civil, and very generally peaceable citi- 
zens. They earn their living by hard and honest labor, with 
but very few exceptions. Several families are distinguished 
as patterns of industry, sobriety and economy. What disad- 
vantage it would be to the state to admit such persons to a 
full and equal enjoyment of their rights, the proud and bloated 
aristocrat may perceive, but I cannot. 

"We have 20 or 30 in our Sabbath school. They make 
good progress. The colored people have recently built a 
2 



W 



10 

house in town for the double purpose of a meeting house and 
a school house. 

"I have known of a number of cases in which the laws of 
the state have operated very severely on people of color. I 
would mention, as a sample: — On two different occasions, 
colored females have applied to me, as a justice of the peace, 
for redress. In the first, a female w^as beaten with a stick of 
considerable size, by a man whose moral character by no 
means equals that of most of our colored people. This 
was witnessed by a white woman, but she was unwilling to file 
an affidavit to obtain a warrant, and the colored girl could not 
have her oath, legally, because the oflfender had a white skin. 
The other, an old lady, the mother of a large family, had her 
head severely cut by a stick of considerable size, thrown at 
her by the same man. She showed me the cut in her head, 
and the stick; but the laws of Ohio do not permit the oath of 
a colored person, when one party is white. Her daughter, a 
young woman, was present, but no redress could be had. — 
Two or three cases of colored men have been represented to 
me, of a similar kind, yet I know of no method of redress, 
while the law of the state remains." 

BROWN COUNTY. 

That body of colored people, which has been exalted into 
notice more than any other — which has been set like a city 
upon a hill, and appealed to on all occasions, as a silencing 
argument of the inferiority of colored people every where — is 
located in Brown county. Whilst your memorialists admit, 
that they cannot say very much in their praise, they would 
also add the belief, that their character for evil has been very 
much over drawn and exagerated; and that their good quali- 
ties, what few they possess, have been underrated, or entirely 
overlooked. 

Mr. Samuel W. Graves, a young man, who has been teach- 
ing a school in the "Lower Camp," during the past year, 
states, in a letter just received, "That there are 227 individu- 
als in the "Upper Camp," and 205 in the "Lower Camp." — 
The schools in each settlement, have averaged from 35 to 40 
scholars daily. They have a Temperance Society of about 



11 

50, in both settlements. They have three churches; two Bap- 
tist, numbering 85 members, and one Methodist, with 10 
members. 

"And now for their character, which is bad enough. Though 
I may safely say, that if John Patterson of this place, stated 
in the Legislature last winter, the things which report says he 
did about them, he stated that which he would not have stated 
had he known the facts in the case. There is considerable 
whiskey drinking among them; though I do not recollect to 
have seen more than one or two intoxicated. I have yet to 
hear the third man amongst them make use of profane language. 
As to their stealing, more than their neighbors, this may do to 
tell. But three have ever been confined in the county jail for 
stealing, during their residence of 18 years in this State, and 
one of them was sent to the state's prison. If anything is 
missing among their white neighbors, immediately there is a 
great hue and cry raised about the niggers' stealing. But it as 
often turns out that the sons of Japhet know as much, yea, 
more of the matter, than their darker skinned cousins, sons of 
their uncle Ham. 

"Perhaps the greatest fault of the colored men in the 
"Camp," is, that they consider truth a shifty article. There 
are many of them who do not stick at all times to the truth, 
and love it even if it is ugly. But still there is three times 
the truth one might expect to find amongst beings placed in 
their cirumstances." 

To this we will add a communication from Abraham Petty- 
john, which was written in 1835. Mr. P. is an elder in the 
Presbyterian church: 

"I do hereby certify, that I have lived in the immediate 
vicinity of the "Camps," in Brown County, ever since they 
were settled, 16 years ago, in 1819. I have had almost daily 
opportunity of becoming accurately acquainted with their 
situation, habits, customs, moral character and mode of life, 
both in their domestic relations among themselves, and in their 
relations and intercourse with the surrounding white in- 
habitants. 

"I would remark in the first place, that the entire neighbor- 
hood in which they settled, was very greatly opposed to then' 



12 

being located in its vicinity — expecting that they would be 
exceedingly troublesome as neighbors — thievish, drunken, 
quarrelsome, strolling vagabonds, and preying upon the com- 
munity. So strong was this feeling, that the property of many 
individuals in the surrounding settlement, could have been pur- 
chased for one half its value. The dissatisfiiction of the 
neighborhood was very much increased by a letter, written by 
a distinguished citizen of Highland county, and published in 
the newspapers. This gentleman was then on a visit to Vir- 
ginia, and there learned, from general report and testimony, 
that the 500 about to be brought to this place, were regarded 
as the most ignorant, degraded and depraved set of slaves in 
all that region. In his letter, he detailed these particulars at 
length. The letter was published here, shortly before the 
slaves arrived. 

*'If it is asked how they have succeeded, and whether these 
fearful anticipations respecting them have been realized, I 
answer, No! Quite the reverse. I do not believe there is 
one of their neighbors, who would now, after 16 years expe- 
rience, sell his farm at all under the real value. 

"There is not more stealing done, either among themselves, 
or from the whites, than is common among w'hites. And I 
feel impelled to add, that the whites have not suffered from 
the duplicity, cheating and knavery of the blacks, one fourth 
part as much as the blacks have suffered from the whites in 
these respects. The truth is, the blacks have been most mon- 
strously imposed upon, cheated and wronged in a multitude of 
ways, by unprincipled men throughout the surrounding region 
of country. This will be testified to by all the intelligent, 
candid and respectable inhabitants in this vicinity, who are at 
all acquainted with the facts. 

"If it is asked, whether they quarrel and fight and go to law 
amongst themselves, I answer, not more than is common for 
the same number of whites. 

"'Are they given to intemperance?' Some of them are; 
but not a larger number than is common among white settle- 
ments of the same size. 'Are they intelligent, and have they 
some education?' But few of them can read or write; they 
are generally very ignorant. *Are they contentious and quar- 



13 

relsome with the whites?' No! They quarrel far less with 
the whites, than the whites do with one another. Also, I 
never have heard of a single instance, in which a single one of 
them has been guilty of the least improper conduct, or lan- 
guage, towards white females. 'Is the amalgamation of colors 
going on at the "Camps?" ' During the whole time that the 
blacks have been here, only one mulatto child has been born 
in the "Camps." 'Have any of them been convicted of steal- 
ing?' Yes; one of them for stealing a horse! This is the 
only instance that I have ever heard in the "Upper Camps." 
In the "Straight Creek Camps," there have been two or three 
instances of convictions for petty stealing. 

'"Are they prompt and punctual in their engagements?' 
Many of them are not, but are lax and dilatory; though this 
has been the case, mainly, since the great money pressure 
within the last few years. 

"Having resided very near them since they have been here, 
and having owned a mill, at which they get all their grinding 
done, I have had constant opportunities to inspect their actual 
condition, habits and moral conduct; and the above is the tes- 
timony which I feel it my duty to render, as an act of simple 
justice, to those who have been grossly misrepresented. 

"ABRAHAM PETTYJOHN. 

"P. S. The land on which they live, is so wet and swampy, 
as well as very hard to cultivate, that it would be impossible 
for the greatest industry and frugality to procure from it a 
good living, with the small quantity of land allowed to each. 

"A. P." 

As Brown county has been a standing argument of the in- 
feriority of the colored man, we are unwilling to leave it, 
without mentioning the 1 5 or 20 families scattered over the 
county, who own or lease farms. 

One, (Charles Black,) owns property, valued at 5 or ^6,000. 
Another owns a farm worth ,^3,000. Others own smaller 
farms. Five of those who lease land, have, during the past 
year, purchased of the government. Several have paid for 
their land, after purchasing their own bodies. For instance, 
Samuel Jones paid |500 for his body. Basil Dover paid 
,f 1,700 for himself and family; and David Rees paid ^500 for 
himself. 



•14 

DAEK COUNTY. 
There is a larming colored settlement in Dark county. It 
numbers about 100 adults, owning 4,147 acres of land. There 
is one carpenter, one black smith, one tanner, two bricklayers, 
and two stone masons; all work more or less at their respective 
trades. They have 914 acres of land cleared in the settlement, 
21 acres in orcharding, all bearing. Their settlement is a lot 
of choice land. The corn grows stout and heavy, averaging 
70 bushels per acre. Every thing wears the aspect of a thriv- 
ing industrious people. Their farms are in a good state of cul- 
tivation, the fences high and strong, and the buildings in good 
repair. 

But to be more particular, and to mention a few indi- 
vidual cases, will perhaps be more satisfactory, and will more 
clearly show the uncommon energy of character which some 
of these people possess. 

Isaac Holland came from Virginia — was worth nothing — 
now owns 160 acres of land, and has 100 .acres cleared — had 
25 in corn the past year — has a large house and barn, two 
cows, 2 horses, 12 sheep and 50 hogs. He has bought his fath- 
er and paid $200 for him. 

Ezekiel Lewis owns 200 acres of land — 60 cleared — 2 hor- 
ses — 3 cows — 5 sheep — 25]hogs, and had 14 acres in corn the 
past year. 

Thornton Alexander owns 520 acres of land — has 160 clear- 
ed — 17 sheep — 6 cows — 4 work horses — 52 hogs — 2 acres in 
orcharding — 45 acres in corn, and 100 bushels of wheat the 
past year. This man was a slave till he was thirty-six years old, 
in Virginia. He was then emancipated, and came to this state 
with a wife and eight children, and had only $5 in his pocket. 
His property he now values at $15,000. 

James Clemens owns 790 acres of land — has 100 cleared — 
3 cows — 4 horses — 12 sheep — 50 hogs — 4 acres in orchard — 
27 sowed in wheat, and had 50 in corn the past year. He 
and his wife were slaves till they were upwards of 30 years 
old, &,c. &.C. 

They have built a school house this past fall ; they have also 
a Methodist church. 

The following testimony to their character was given by 



16 

Mr. George J. Covvgill, who resides near them and keeps a 
public house and owns a large store. 

"They do more business with me than any other community 
of the same number that I know of ; andl can take their word 
with as much confidence as that of any men who do business 
with me. In fact I think I may safely say that I can put more 
reliance on them than on the white people. They are as honest, 
as industrious and pious, as any settlement of white people 
within my knowledge. 

" I have thought ever since I have been acquainted with 
them, that they ought to be allowed their oath in a court of 
justice. And further I think, they ought to be allowed their 
votes. They are quite as well qualified, as the whites in gen- 
eral, to judge of the requisite qualifications of a ruler." 

MERCER COUNTY. 

In Mercer county about 100 colored men have purchased 
government land. During the last two years many of them 
have settled and others are moving on to it. In every aspect 
that we view them, they are seen to be as valuable and as good 
citizens as their white neighbors — as enterprising, industrious, 
persevering and honest. They are equally successful in rais. 
ing crops, as the sun and the rain show no partiality, and even 
the trees fall as fast before the blows of the black man's axe, 
as the white man's. 

The number of acres owned by them here is about 12,000. 

SHELBY COUNTY. 

Within the last five years, about forty colored men have pur- 
chased government land in Shelby county. Their character 
for industry and good morals stands as fair here as that of the 
white settlers. There are more colored than white people in 
this neighborhood. Yet within the last two years six white 
men have been arrested for stealing, and only two blacks. 

They have a Methodist church here, a Sunday school and 
day school of about 30 scholars. 

Colored men have good fiirms, good crops, and good stock 5 
they have showed themselves equally good citizens with the 
white people in every particular, where they have had an 



16 

equal opportunity. They need and they merit the protection 
of equal laws. 

GREENE COUNTY. 

Extract of a letter from Dr. Joseph Templeton^ dated Xenia, 

January 3d, 1838*. 

"I have lieard of but three or four intemperate colored per- 
sons in the county. They arc accused of indolence ; but I 
have seen no evidence of it. With one or two exceptions 
their houses exhibit plenty, comfort, and neatness. They are 
more intelligent than their situation would justify us in expec- 
ting, and manifest a very great anxiety for education and im- 
provement. In the country there are three or four mechanics, 
who learned their trades in the slave states and carry on their 
business with respect and advantage to themselves and the 
community. There are a number of them who farm rented 
lands, and are in quite easy circumstances. The majority of 
this class have purchased or are preparing to purchase Congress 
land. There are several who have small farms of their own 
and are living well ; and there is one who, during twenty 
three years of his bondage, paid for himself and family $2,350 
and now owns a farm of 254 acres, assessed at $5,000 in this 
county — and 240 acres of new land. 

"As proof that they are quiet and inoflensive citizens, I will 
transcribe verbatim, a certificate obtained from the Clerk of 
our county court. 

"<I do hereby certify, that only four persons of color have 
been convicted of crime in the court of Common Pleas of Green 
county, Ohio, during the past seven years, as appears from the 
records of said court. One for shooting with intent to kill, 
one for selling liquor without license, two for petit larceny— 
They were all I believe in the habit of occasional acts of in- 
temperance. 

"'Given under my hand atXenia, this 30th day of Dec. 1837. 

T. MARSHAL, Clerk, G. C. P.' 

« I have conversed with a number of our citizens on the sub- 
ject, and they all agree with me in the opinion, that the repeal 
of those laws could not possibly do any harm, and might result 
in much good to society at large." 



17 

The whole number of colored people in this county, is 289. 
They have a day school and Sunday school. 
A Methodist church of 33 members, and a Baptist church of 
1 7 members. Four drunkards are reported. 

MIAMI COUNTY. 
Extract of a letter fi-om Mr. Fairfield, of Trotj, Miami co. 

Dec. Mst, 1837. 

"There are about 15 colored families in this place. They 
are in industry about on a common level with other people ; 
None of them are wealthy ; as many as six families are worth 
from 300, to $500 each ; one woman has lately come here 
from the South (a milliner merchant) who is probably worth 
2 or 1 3,000. 

" Morals. Some are decidedly religious — most of them 
moral — 2 or 3 intemperate — one an habitual drunkard — some 
dishonest, (will probably steal small articles,) and some are 
profane and truthless. But 1 am sure that if twice their num- 
ber were counted off from the worst end of white society, they 
would, as a body, be much worse, and more troublesome than 
the blacks. 

Of their religion I believe it is rather shallow and doubtful — 
though some are real ornaments to the church. They have suf- 
fered much by abuse from the church itself. I should say that 
no part of our population are more susceptible of religious in- 
struction and impressions than the colored. 

" This general truth I can state with confidence. If we 
were asked why our colored population are considered an in- 
jury to the place ? we would unhesitatingly answer, because 
they are black. They would certainly, as a body, be regard- 
ed as respectable and useful if they were white. I have never 
heard of any one of them being brought before a magistrate for 
any crime, and I have heard of no disturbance made by them. 

Whilst we persecute them, they will undoubtedly, in some 
degree, be our enemies. The repeal of our black law^s would 
have a tendency to make them friends. I think it altogether 
certain that these laws are productive of no good at all in this 
place, and that their repeal would be beneficial and only bene- 
^cial to the whole community." 
3 



Ifi 

HAMILTON COUNTY. 

The colored people of Cincinnati have three churches, 3 
Sabbath schools, 3 day schools, a "Union society for the relief 
of its members," and a Temperance society. Trades are nu- 
merous : the following is an imperfect sketch. 

Blacksmiths 3, carpenters and joiners 9, cabinet makers 2, 
plasterers 6, coopers 10, shoemakers .5, house painters 2, dray- 
men 11, grocers 3, hucksters 5, masons 6, silversmith 1, bar- 
bers 20. 

WARREN COUNTY. 

Jonathan Wright, of Springboro' states, that "the number of 
colored people who reside in that place and its immediate vi- 
cinity, is about 65 or 70. Their general character is good and 
I think would not suffer by a comparison with that of the 
white population. 

" They are believed to be honest with but very few excep- 
tions, and most of them are industrious. A few of them own 
houses and lots in Springboro, and several of them are possessed 
of farms in the county. As laborers they are useful, and are 
esteemed the best among us. They sustain a character for 
truth and veracity which ought to give them credit in our 
courts of judicature ; and I am persuaded the community 
would not suffer by receiving their testimony on all legal ex- 
aminations. They support a school which has from 20 to 28 

pupils." 

From a communication of M. M. Clark, colored poople's 
agent, we make the following extracts : 

GALLIA COUNTY. 

« Colored population 300. 12 own farms and cultivate them-, 
8 own real estate in Gallipolis, with from 3 to $800 each ; 
several families have abandoned the use of ardent spirits en- 
tirely—all maintain their own families, and in most instances 
give their children schooling. All are universally orderly and 
peaceable." 

ROSS COUNTY. 

" Colored population 8 or 900—20 farmers— 7 own farms 
worth from 200 to $'1,000 each— 5 mechanics in Chillicothe— 2 



19 

churches of 100 members each — 2 schools of eighty scholars — 

a Temperance society of 1 SO members — property valued at 

|30,000." 

PICKAWAY COUNTY. 

"Circleville has a colored population of 100 — they have a 
Methodist church of 50 members, and a Temperance society of 
21 members." 

FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

"Lancaster has a colored population of 100 — one church of 
50 members — one Temperance society of 1 5 members — amount 
of property owned by them ^5,000." 

MUSKINGUM COUNTY. 

"Zanesville has a colored population of 250 — they have a 
Methodist church of 60 members — 1 school — a Temperance 
society of 20 members — a few are addicted to the habit of in- 
temperate drinking— amount of property owned by them |6,000. 

" Their general character is acknowledged to be peaceable 
and orderly." 

Of the great number of colored farmers scattered over the 
state, much might be said. Their perseverance in buffeting 
wind and tide, their enterprise in surmounting obstacles, their 
success in spite of laws and prejudice, theirquietness under in- 
sult, their forgiveness of injuries, patience, and forbearance 
under long inflicted M^rongs and legal disabilities, recommend 
them at once, both to the admii'ation and pity of our legislature. 
Of this class we will mention but a few. John Lewis of 
Palmyra, Warren county, though free born, w^as held as a slave 
till he was 30 years old. Since that time, he has by his own 
industry purchased a farm of 114 acres, valued now with the 
stock on it, at $5,000 ; and during the past year he has put up 
a respectable looking house and grocery store worth ,$500, in the 
town where he resides. As to his character it is unimpeachable. 
John Jones, of Hamilton, Butler county, has a farm and 
stock worth $2,000, which he has purchased within a few 
years. He is esteemed a very honorable man and a useful 
member of society. He has taken the premium at the agricul- 
tural fair, for three years in succession, for the best sheep. 



20 

Godfrey Brown, Green county, owns a farm of about three 
hundred acres, worth $5,000, besides two hundred and fifty 
acres of new land. He was a slave, and paid $2,350 for 
himself and family. 

Asa matter of curiosity to northern men, and of proof to all, 
we will insert this man's papers at length. Nearly all slaves 
who buy themselves have similar ones. 

" Know all men by these presents, that I, John T. Bowdoin 
of Surry county, for and in consideration of the sum of four 
hundred dollars to me in hand paid, by negro man Godfrey of 
the county of Brunswick, a shoe maker by trade, have emanci- 
pated, and by these presents do emancipate and for ever set 
free, the said negro Godfrey, from this day henceforward ; and 
I, the said John T. Bowdoin, do for myself, my heirs, execu- 
tors and administrators, hereby release all claim to the service 
of the said negro Godfrey, from this day to the end of his life. 
As witness my hand and seal, this 15th day of August, 1814. 

JOHN T. BOWDOIN, [seal.] 
LuDWELL Powell, ) py^-^^^,,. 
Isaac Mason, ^ 

'''■Brunswick County Courts August 22d, 1814. 
This deed of emancipation was proved by the oaths of the 
witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded. Test, 

HERBERT HILL, C. B. C." 

His agreemeMt for the purchase of two children. 
"Know all men by these presents, that I, John Tucker 
Bowdoin, of the county of Surry, in the State of Virginia, for 
and in consideration of the sum of six hundred and eighty dol- 
lars^ to me in hand paid by negro man Godfrey, shoemaker, of 
the county of Brunswick, (which negro man Godfrey, was on 
the 14th day of August last emancipated by me.) at or before 
the ensealing and delivery of these presents, (the receipt where- 
of is hereby acknowledged,) have bargained and sold, and do 
by these presents bargain and sell, unto the aforesaid negro 
man Godfrey, the following slaves, viz: Sally and Moses, 
children of the aforesaid Godfrey; to have and to hold the 
aforesaid slaves unto him the said Godfrey, his executors, 
administrators and assigns, forever. And I, the said John T. 



21 

Bowdoin, my executors, administrators and assigns, the afore- 
said slaves, unto him, the said Godfrey, his executors, admin- 
istrators and assigns, shall and will warrant and forever defend 
by these presents. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto put my hand and 
seal, this 19th day of December, 1814. 

JOHN T. BOWDOIN. [seal.] 



Edward Faulcon,) ^runess^^ 
William Lole, ) 



Purchase of his Wife. 
^^ Surry County, Four Mile Tree, December 19, 1814. 
Received of negro man Godfrey, (shoemaker) of the county 
of Brunswick, the sum of o?ie hundred and twenty dollars, 
which is to be applied as a credit, by me to the said Godfrey, 
in the purchase of his wife, China, and her seven children, viz: 
Sam, Bibanna, Dick, Godfrey, Miles, Elizabeth and Polly— the 
two oldest children of the said Godfrey and China, viz: Sally 
and Moses, being this day paid for by the said Godfrey, to me, 
and a bill of sale given him by me for them. 

JOHN T. BOWDOIN. 

Edward Faulcon,^ Witness.- f 

William Cole, 5 

"Receipt for Money. 
Brunswick County, March 30, 1815. 
Received of negro man Godfrey, (shoemaker) formerly the 
property of John T. Bowdoin, of the county of Surry, the 
sum of six hundred and fifty dollars, in part of the purchase 
of his wife China and children, made by the aforesaid Godfrey 
of the said Bowdoin. 

EDW. FAULCON, Att'y in fact, for 

John T. Bowdoin. 
BowLiN Smith, 



17 -D '' ^ Wit7iess:' 

Elizabeth rowELL, 



■I 



Final Bill of Sale of Wife and Children. 
"Know all men by these presents, that I, Edward Faulcon- 
Attorney in fact for John T. Bowdoin, of the county of Surry 
in the state of Virginia, for and in consideration of the sum o. 



22 

Jive hundrexl dollars, being tJie balance due lor the under-men- 
tioned negroes, to me in hand paid by negro man Godfrey, 
(shoemaker) of the county of Brunswick, at or before the 
ensealing and delivery of these presents, (the receipt whereof 
is hereby acknowledged,) I have bargained and sold, and do by 
these presents, bargain and sell unto the aforesaid negro man 
Godfrey, the following slaves, viz: China, wife of Godfrey, 
and his seven children, viz: Sam, Bibanna, Dick, Godfrey, 
Miles, Elizabeth and Polly. (The rest of his children, viz: 
Sally and Moses, being heretofore sold to him, and a bill of 
sale given for them by the said John T. Bowdoin, on the 19th 
day of December, in the year of our Lord, 1814.) To have 
and to hold the aforesaid slaves forever, &c. &c. 

EDW. FAULCON, Att'y in fact for 

John T. Bowdoin. [seal.] 
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of 

Eliza B. Prentis, 

Mary Ann Prentis. 

Mr. Brown was 23 years in purchasing himself and family. 
The money was earned entirely by overwork, when under the 
regular employment of his master. 

The foUowing^reasons were given by his master, for allow- 
ing him the opportunity of buying himself: — 

^^Brunsioick, 2\st May, 1816. 

"Godfrey, whom I emancipated, having requested me to 
state the considerations which induced me to consent that he 
should purchase himself, I have no hesitation in saying, that I 
was influenced by the high character which he supported for 
honesty and industry, and inoffensive behavior. I considered 
the circumstance of his having amassed, in a few years, money 
enough to purchase himself and a large family, as an incontes- 
tible proof of his unwearied industry, and the opinions of 
those in his immediate neighborhood, who knew him best, were 
concurrent in his favor. These instances of extraordinary 
merit, induced me to sell him and his family at a lower price, 
than I should have asked from any other purchaser. 

JOHN T. BOWDOIN." 
George Moss, who resides near Waynesville, Warren Co., 
was a slave till the age of 35. He paid $550 for himself, and 



23 

|400 for his wife. He lias now been free 32 years, and owns 
two farms; one of 133 acres, worth ^4,000 — the other on the 
Miami bottom, of 157 acres, worth between 4 and $5,000. — 
Besides these, he owns 8 village lots, worth $1,200, 9 horses, 
75 hogs, 13 head of cattle, and 25 sheep. 

He was 7 years in laying up his freedom-money, and during 
the whole of this time, he performed the ordinary labor of a 
slave for his master. The only time which he got to work for 
himself, was nights and Sundays, which he spent in making 
and selling baskets and brooms. 

Before he could be emancipated, the law of South Carolina 
required that five freeholders and a Justice of Quorum should 
be satisfied of his honesty and capability of gaining a liveli- 
hood. The following is the article given by them: — 

"We hereby certify, upon the examination, on oath, of Bird 
Murphy, the owner of a certain slave named George, about 
thirty-five years old, satisfactory proof has been given to us, 
that the said slave is not of bad character, and is capable of 
gaining a livelihood by honest means. Given under our hand, 
this 2d day of December, 1 805. 

^ ROBERT WHITE, 

I MARK MURPHY, 

Union District, S. C. i WM. RAY, 

Andrew Torrence, J. Q. ^ j^^g^^ ^^ BOATMAN, 

mark. 

W. WOOLBANKS." 

This man is quite a trader, and has, at different times, suffer- 
ed severely on account of our laws. In one instance, he ad- 
vanced a man $100 in trade, and afterwards loaned him $10 
more. Not long after, he came to pay the $10 note; but on 
looking them over, he took out the $100 note, paid the $10, 
and afterwards refused to pay more — saying that he had set- 
tled it. So strong was public opinion against him, however, 
he was obliged to leave Waynesville. He is now a Metho- 
dist preacher. 

Many of our colored population come recommended very 
highly by their neighbors, and were it not for our prejudice 
against their color, we should receive them as the best gift of 
a sister state. We might (ill a volume in copying papers, tes- 



24 

timonials of good character and industry, of those who have 
come to reside amongst us from Kentucky, Virginia, &;c. We 
will give one or two as a specimen: — 

Anthony Barcor, was a slave till he was 40 years old. He 
purchased himself, and paid ^666 to his owner. This money 
he made whilst a slave, by purchasing his time, paying his 
owner from 100 to ^120 per year. After obtaining his own 
freedom, he purchased his wife and three children. For these, 
he paid $550. 

He came to this state in 1832. The followins; recommenda- 
tion was given him by the Mayor and Common Council of 
Fredericksburgh, Va., and signed by fifty of the principal in- 
habitants, including ministers, lawyers, physicians and mem- 
bers of Congress. 

"The bearer of this certificate, who is a free man of color, 
being about to remove to the state of Ohio with his family, 
and desiring to carry with him some testimonial, which will be 
serviceable to him in his new residence among strangers: now 
we, the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Fredericks- 
burgh, in the state of Virginia, do hereby certify that An- 
thony Barcor, the bearer of this, has lived in this town and 
neighborhood all his life — that he is a bricklayer and plasterer 
by trade, and by the fruits of his labor, after paying for and 
procuring his own freedom, he has, by a course of persevering 
industry, purchased the freedom of his family, consisting of 
his wife and several children. His character has been uni- 
formly, that of a sober, orderly, industrious man. The sub- 
scribers believe he has no other motive for leaving his resi- 
dence here, but the apprehension that he may be compelled 
by some general act of the Legislature, providing for the 
removal of free negroes from the state. 

'•We, therefore, very cheerfully bear testimony to the uni- 
form sobriety of his habits, to his indefatigable industry, and 
his general probity and good conduct." 

To this, Gen. Taylor, of Newport, adds the following: — 

"I am well acquainted with most of the gentlemen whose 
signatures are affixed to the foregoing testimonial, and full 
faith and reliance may be placed in the same. 

JAMES TAYLOR, Newport, Ky^ 

Nov. 22, 1832. 



25 

A colored blacksmith, who has a shop on the corner of 
Walnut and Columbia streets, came from Virginia very highly 
recommended by the Ex-President James Madison, and the 
Hon. P. Barbour. In fact, a majority of our colored popula- 
tion are made up of the "bone and sinew" of the land. 

They have come to this state generally well recommended, 
and were they now to leave, they could go as well recom- 
mended, by those who best know them. 

The following testimonial was given to this blacksmith, 
when about to leave his native town, and signed by thirty of 
the principal men. 

"We certify that we have known William Rolls, the bearer 
hereof, who has kept a blacksmith shop at Orange Court 
House, Va., for a great number of years. He is considered 
an excellent smith for mill work and various kinds of ma- 
chinery, plantation work, &c. We take pleasure in adding, 
that he is a sober and industrious man, and has appeared 
remarkably upright, so far as we have had transactions with 
him. 

"Given under our hands, this 16th July, 1834, Orange Ct. 
House, Va." 

This man has purchased his wife and two daughters, for 
whom he paid ^1,130. 

Squire Ford paid ^500 for himself and wife. He was, till 
his 58th year, in saving the money. He now drives a waggon 
of his own in Cincinnati. He has the following certificate: — 

^^Lynchburg, Va, 10th Nov. 1825. 

"Squire, the bearer hereof, and his wife Esther, belonged to 
me some two or three years ago, for four years. I found them? 
so far as 1 know, to be honest and dutiful servants. Squire, 
for some time, had the measurement of grain which came to a 
large distillery, and kept the account of grain taken in and 
the whiskey paid for it. I don't now recollect of a single in- 
stance of dissatisfaction, from any body. 

"THOS. RUDD." 

So general is the impression, of those who have little or no 
knowledge on the subject, that the negroes cannot take care 
of themselves, that they are bad citizens, being idle and worth- 
4 



26 

less, and troublesome, we consider it necessary, in order to 
vindicate their character and place it in its true light, to add 
facts and testimony, collected from other parts of the country, 
and also from other countries. 

We introduce first, the testimony of Gen. Jackson. It is 
his address to the colored troops, made in 1814, at New 
Orleans :^ — 

"Soldiers, — When, on the banks of the Mobile, I called you 
to take up arms, inviting you to partake the perils and glory 
of your white fellow-citizens, I expected much from you — for 
I was not ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable 
to an invading enemy. I knew with what fortitude you could 
endure hunger and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign. — 
I knew well how you loved your native country, and that you 
had, as well as ourselves, to defend what man holds most dear 
— his parents, relations, wife, children and property. You 
have done more than I expected. In addition to the qualities 
which I knew you to possess, I find moreover among you, a 
noble enthusiasm, which leads to the performance of great 
things. Soldiers — The President of the United States shall 
hear how praiseworthy was your conduct in the hour of dan- 
ger, and the representatives of the American people will, I 
doubt not, give you the praise which your deeds deserve. — 
Your General anticipates them in applauding your noble ardor. 
The enemy approaches — his vessels cover our lakes — our 
brave citizens are united, and all contention has ceased among 
them. Their only dispute is who shall win the prize of valor, 
or who the most glory, its noblest reward. 

"By order, (signed) THOS. BUTLER." 

Their social habits are clearly set forth by the following 
facts: — 

New York. 

"In the city of New York, the colored population is about 
18,000. They have 7 Methodist churches, 1 Presbyterian^ 
1 Episcopalian, 2 Baptist — 11 city schools, five of which are 
supported by themselves, and taught by colored teachers — 20 
benevolent societies, 5 literary societies with 4 libraries, and 



27 

2 temperance societies. They have one newspaper, ably edit- 
ed by a colored man. Their public property in churches, 
school houses, &c., is valued at f 113,000." 

Pittsburgh. 

"In Pittsburgh and its vicinity, they number about 2,500. 
They have two churches, two day schools of 160 scholars, 
two Sunday schools, a temperance society of 170, members, a 
moral reform society, four benevolent societies; one of which 
reported in its treasury $220. The object of these societies, 
is to relieve their members and friends when sick. The aver- 
age number of paupers, is three per year, as reported by the 
overseer of the poor. 

"They pay an annual tax of $422. 

"Amongst them, are carpenters, blacksmiths, bricklayers, 
stone-masons, boot and shoe makers, plasterers, painters, tan- 
ners and curriers, coppersmiths and shipwrights; and in the 
vicinity are several farmers." 

Philadelphia. 

"Philadelphia had, in 1830, a colored population of 36,000 — 
the proportion to the w^hites, as 1 to 9. 

"In the same year, out of 549 out-of-door paupers, only 22 
were colored; i. e. 4 per cent. Of the paupers admitted into 
the alms house, the proportion is nearly the same. 

"In the same year, the payments by colored people to poor 
funds, ----- $2,500 

"Expenditure for colored people, - - 2,000 

"Balance paid by the colored people for help of 
poor whites, - - - . . 500 

"The rents paid by the colored people were upwards of 
1 100,000. 

"They had 6 Methodist meeting houses, 2 Presbyterian, 2 
Baptist, 1 Episcopalian, 1 Public Hall, 2 Sunday schools, 2 
tract societies, 2 temperance societies, 1 Female Literary 
Institution, and 50 beneficent societies. 

"These societies raise and expend, annually, upwards of 
$7,000, for mutual aid." 
[Taken from a memorial to the Legislature of Pennsylvania.] 



28 

New Bedford, Massachusetts. 

"In New Bedford, Mass., the colored population is 1,200. — 
Fifty own real estate, valued at 70,000 dollars. The brig 
Rising Sun is owned by a company of colored men in New 
Bedford, and manned by an entire colored crew. Richard 
Johnson, agent; Edward J. Pompey, master; William CufTee, 
mate; William Hambleton, 2d mate. 

"Said brig and outfits cost ^5,500, and sailed from the port 
of New Bedford to the South Atlantic Ocean, on a voyage of 
twelve months. The whole number of officers and men is 
fifteen." 

Upper Canada. 

We make the following extract from a letter written by 
Hiram Wilson, dated Toronto, Upper Canada, February 6, 
1837:— 

"The colored population of this city and vicinity is about 
600. Most of them are from Virginia and Kentucky; but 
some were driven here by the memorable storm of persecu- 
tion that burst upon the colored population of Cincinnati, in 
1 829. 

"At the time of the emigration to Canada, the people of 
color had serious difficulties to encounter. Newspapers came 
from New York and Ohio, representing them as the 'offscour- 
ing of creation,' 'thievish,' 'indolent and degraded,' 'a perfect 
pest to society." * * * They are now an industrious, 
thriving people. Some have gained money very fast. One 
man is said to be worth $30,000. Some have accumulated 
froRi 3 to 4,000 dollars each; others have gone from here into 
the country, purchased land, and are doing well. 

"Their moral condition is much better than I expected. 
They have two Methodist churches of 54 members, and one 
Baptist of 66. 

"It is often said in the States, 'they are an insolent people.' 
Nothing is more false. I venture to say, that no people in this 
Province, or in the United States, are more respectful in their 
demeanor, than the colored people of this place. A more 
independent people are rarely to be found. Colored beggars 
are seldom seen here, though white ones are numerous. Gen- 



29 

tlemen frequently remark, that they are seldom, if ever, trou- 
bled with beggars of color, though white ones are daily at 
their doors. 

"Wood is provided by public charity for the poor, but no 
colored person ever applies for it. A public soup house is 
kept here, which is frequented daily by scores of poor people, 
but the face of a colored person is never seen there. 

"'Where is the man that has ever seen a colored person 
drunk in the streets of Toronto?' said a member of Parlia- 
ment, at a great anti slavery meeeting. The judges and 
magistrates say, that the proportionate number of criminal 
cases ^among them is exceedingly small. 1 here subjoin the 
testimony of others. The first is of the same political party 
of the colored people. The other two are opposed to them. 

Toronto, Jan. 26, 1837. 
The Hon. Capt. Dunlop, Mem. of the Prov. Parliament: 

Dear Sir, — As Agent for the Am. Anti-Slavery Society 
and in behalf of the same, permit me respectfully, to present 
you the following inquiries respecting the people of color of 
this city. 1. Are they loyal subjects of the Government? 2. 
As a people, are they as honest, as industrious, as temperate 
and as well behaved as the white citizens? 3. In proportion 
to their number, are criminal cases more numerous among 
them than among the whites? 4. Do any of them beg from 
door to door, or depend oil public charity for sustenance, and 
if so, are such cases proportionately more numerous than 
among the whites? H.WILSON. 

House of Assembly, Toronto, Jan. 29, 1837. 
Dear Sir, — Permit me to assure you that I feel much plea- 
sure in replying to your communication of yesterday, and in 
recording my testimony, whether in my capacity as a subject, 
or in my public as a magistrate and representative of the 
people, it gives me infinite satisfaction to say, that after much 
observation and some experience, I have arrived at this con- 
clusion, namely; — that there are not in His Majesty's do- 
minions, a more loyal, honest, industrious, temperate and 
independent class of citizens, than the colored people of Upper 



30 

Cnnada. Go on, therefore, my dear sir, in your work of 

charity, and let us pray fervently to the Most High that he 

will look down with compassion on the degraded children of 

Africa, and lead them as he did his chosen people of old, from 

your modern Egypt of oppression. 

I remain, dear sir. 

Yours, very sincerely, 

R. G. DUNLOP, 

Capt. R. N., M. P. for the City of Huron, 

and (I rejoice to add) Pres't. of the 

Anti-Slavery Soc. of U. C 

Hiram Wilson, Agent for the Anti- Slavery Society. 

Toronto, January 2>0, 1837. 
Mr. Hiram Wilson, 

Sir, — In reply to your inquiries, I beg to offer my opinion 
with much diffidence: 1st. That nearly all of them are 
opposed to every species of reform in the civil institutions of 
the colony — they are so extravagantly loyal to the Executive, 
that to the utmost of their power they uphold all the abuses 
of Government, and support those who profit by them. 2d. 
As a people, they are as well behaved as a majority of the 
whites, and perhaps more temperate. 3d. To your third 
question I would say, "not more numerous." 4th. Cases in 
which colored people ask public charity are rare, as far as I 
can recollect. I am opposed to slavery, whether of whites or 
blacks, in every form. I wish to live long enough to see the 
people of this continent, of the humblest classes, educated and 
free, and held in respect according to their conduct and attain- 
ments, without reference to country, color, or worldly sub- 
stance. But I regret, that an unfounded fear of a union with 
the United States, on the part of the colored population, 
should have induced them to oppose reform and free institu- 
tions in this colony, whenever they had the power to do so. — 
The apology I make for them in this matter is, that they have 
not been educated as freemen. 

I am your respectful 

Humble servant, 

W. B. MACKENZIE. 



31 

Mr. M. has been a distinguished officer of the Government, 
and Mayor of Toronto. His influence has caused all Upper 
Canada to rock like an earthquake. H. W. 

Toronto^ January 28, 1837. 
Sir — In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 26th 
inst., containing certain queries relating to the people of color 
in this city, I have much pleasure in affording my testimony 
for the information of the society of which you state yourself 
to be the agent, at the same time begging you will consider my 
observation as strictly applicable to the people of color within 
this city and immediate neighborhood, to which alone my 
knowledge extends. In reply to question No. 1. I believe 
them to be truly loyal subjects of the Government. 2dly. As 
a people, I have no reason to question their honesty or indus- 
try, and as far as my observation serves me, they appear to be 
both temperate and well behaved. 3d. 1 am not aware that 
criminal cases are more numerous with them than with others, 
in proportion to their numbers. 

But with respect to your 4th query, I wish to be more ex- 
plicit, and to remark, that although I have been in the habit of 
daily contributing my assistance to a vast number of destitute 
poor, ever since my residence in this province, now seventeen 
years, 1 do not remember ever having been solicited for alms 
by more than one or two people of color,* during the whole 
course of that period. I am. Sir, 

Your most obed't servant, 
JOHN H. DUNN, 

Receiver General Upper Canada. 
Hiram Wilson. 



Trinidad. 
"During the last American war, seven hundred and seventy- 
four slaves escaped from their masters, and were, at the termi- 
nation of the war, settled in Trinidad as free laborers, where 
they are earning their own livelihood with industry and good 
conduct." 



* I learn from a gentleman that one of the persons Mr. D. refers to, 
IS a poor cripple who has had both of his legs amputated. 

H. WILSON. 



32 

The following is an extract of a letter, received in 1829, 
from Trinidad, by Mr. Pownall : — "In Trinidad there are up- 
wards of 15,000 free people of color; there is not a single 
pauper amongst them; they live independently and comfort- 
ably. It is admitted that they are highly respectable in char- 
acter, and are rapidly advancing in knowledge and refine- 
ment." 

Mr. Mitchell, a sugar planter, who had resided twenty- 
seven years in Trinidad, and who is the superintendent of 
the liberated negroes there, says "he knows of no instance of 
a manumitted slave not maintaining himself." 

Brazil. 

Mr. Walsh states that in Brazil there are six hundred thou- 
sand enfranchised persons, either Africans, or of African des- 
cent, who were either slaves themselves, or the descendants of 
slaves. He says they are, generally speaking, well conducted 
and industrious persons, who compose, indiscriminately, differ- 
ent orders of the community. There are among them, mer- 
chants, farmers, doctors, lawyers, priests, and officers of differ- 
ent ranks. Every considerable town in the interior has regi- 
ments composed of them. The benefits arising from them 
have disposed the whites to think of making free the whole 
negro population." 

Mr. Kester, an Englishman living in Brazil, confirms Mr. 
Walsh's statement. 

Instead of swelling our memorial with needless details, and 
adding particulars which may be uninteresting, we will close 
this part of our subject, with the testimony of one who had the 
best opportunities for knowing the true character of the free 
colored people. 

Extract of a letter from Gov. Giles of Va. to Gen. Lafayette, 
dated August 20th, 1 829. 

"In relation to the free people of color, I am far from yield- 
ing to the opinions expressed by the intelligent committee of 
the he se of delegates of Virginia, and the enthusiastic memo- 
rialists of Pov'hatan, respecting the degraded and demoralizing 
condition of mis caste; at least in degree and extent. It will 



33 

be admitted that this caste of colored population attract but 
little of the public sympathy and commiseration, — in fact that 
the public feeling and sentiment are opposed to it. It is also 
admitted that the penal laws against it have been marked with 
peculiar severity; so much so as to form a characteristic ex- 
ception to our whole penal code. When I first came into the 
office of Governor, such was the severity of the penal laws 
against that caste, that for all capital offences short of the pun- 
ishment of death, and for many offences not capital, slavery, 
sale, and transportation formed the wretched doom pronounced 
by the laws against this unfavored, despised caste of colored 
people. About two years since, this extreme severity of pun- 
ishment was commuted in the milder one of confinement and 
labor for stated periods in the penitentiary. I have also reason 
to fear, that under the influence of general prejudice, the Ir.ws, 
in some instances, have been administered against them more 
in rigor than in justice. Yet, notwithstanding all these depre- 
cated circumstances, the proportion of convicts to the whole 
population has been small. 

During the existence of these extreme punishments, up to 
the present period, the whole population of that description of 
people may be considered at the beginning, to be about 35,000, 
now increased to about 40,000, in despite all the efforts of the 
Colonization Society, and notwithstanding the operation of the 
laws in favor of emigration, and against immigration. Dur. 
ing the existence of these extreme punishments, the annual 
convictions for offences did not exceed eleven upon an increas- 
ing population of 35,000. Since the commutation of the pun- 
ishment the annual average of the convicts upon the increased 
population of 40,000 is reduced to eight, as will be seen by an 
official report of the Superintendent of the Penitentiary, for- 
warded herewith. The proportion, therefore, of the annual 
convictions, to the whole population, is as 1 to 5,000. These 
facts serve to prove almost to a demonstration — 1st, That this 
class of population is by no means so vicious, degraded and 
demoralized as represented by their prejudiced friends, and 
voluntary benefactors, (the Colonizationists). 2d. That the 
evils attributed to this caste are vastly magnified and ex^Tge- 
rated." 

■ 5 



34 

Objection 2d. — "//" we should equalize our laws it would 
encourage them to settle in our state in greater numbers.'''' 

1. What if they should. So long as they are industrious 
and honest, they add so much to the wealth of the state. They 
are also quite as useful and as intelligent as many of the for- 
eigners who are settling amongst us. 

2. But, in reality we do not believe this effect would follow 
from the repeal of those laws. The census of 1830 gave the 
number of our colored population at 9,586. We have no facts 
to justify the belief that this number has been diminished or its 
augmentation prevented on account of these laws. It is true, 
some have removed from the state, and others may have been 
prevented from coming into it. But this would hold true only 
of the most worthy — those who have too much self-respect to 
submit to the degradation; whilst those at whom these laws 
are aimed, the vicious and the idle, are too low to feel their 
pressure — consequently they are no barrier to such, nor are 
they very inconvenient. 

We, therefore, incur the disgrace of perpetuating injustice, 
without receiving any of its anticipated blessings, and really 
injure ourselves by keeping out an industrious and a valuable 
class of men, whilst our barriers are not sufficient to keep out 
the worthless. 

3. Whilst only one hundredth part of our population are 
colored, it cannot be said that we need these laws as a mea- 
sure of self-defence. 

As justice, humanity, and true policy, therefore, are on our 
side, we will close with the prayer, that the rays of our genial 
government may be shed equally on all, the high and the low, 
the rich and the poor— that the cloud which has so long hung 
over our colored inhabitants, may be made to pass away. We 
pray, that you will distribute equally those gifts which a boun- 
tiful Providence has put into your hands. As giving will not 
impoverish you, we earnestly pray, nay we claim, in the name 
of our common humanity, in the name of that equal liberty of 
which we make our boast, in the name of the religion of an 
equal God, that justice may be done to our colored fellow- 
citizens, by the immediate repeal of all those laws which now 
harrass, degrade and injure them. A. ^^^j^|^- 



IP 



La'\1 



